Guardian

SIR: The declared State of Emergency in the states in practice is “Martial Law.” Martial law as a rule, “is a temporary government and control by military authorities of a territory or state, when war or overwhelming public disturbance makes the civil authorities of the region unable to enforce its law. Martial law refers to rule by the domestic army only. In plain terms, it is a situation where military powers supersede any other authority in the troubled states –  Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

It means that if you are a politician and you have been secretly behind the Islamic terror group, Boko Haram, directly or otherwise, you can be snatched, questioned and dealt with, with no legal representation but treated as an enemy combatant.

Questions are being asked why the governors and elected state officials were not booted out, as is always the case in the era of military. The Nigerian constitution did not prescribe that in a civilian regime, but the chief security officer’s roles are taken away from governors, as they are only responsible for local administration.

For ease of coordination, these politicians were allowed to stay around in order for them not to flee the country, because most of them have direct or indirect connection to the Islamist group.

In the weeks to come, there may be desperate attempts by these enemies of Nigeria to increase their attacks. But it is certain that with the new order given the military by President Goodluck Jonathan, they will surely subdue any attack from the terrorists and their collaborators.

Freedom of press may not be guaranteed. So the press should act with restraint and let the soldiers do their job without interferance.

Nigeria is at war with evil men, there is no need for pity for the dead or casualties on the side of the terrorists. There may be collateral damage, especially on the side of supporters of Boko Haram.

Some of these are unforeseen circumstances that cannot be prevented at a time of war, but with professional competence of our military men, it will be minimal.

This is the best time to support the government in its plan to bring back peace to the North East. Sentiments must be avoided.

The nation must surely overcome this challenge. God Bless Nigeria.

• Thomas Idagu,

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